Virginia Abortion Laws

Abortion laws are extremely varied from one state to the next, despite the federal Roe v. Wade ruling, and some states restrict the procedure to the point where it's virtually impossible to access abortion services. The state of Virginia restrict second-trimester abortions to licensed hospitals, with third-trimester abortions legal only to save the life or medical well-being of the mother. Virginia law also requires women seeking abortions to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound of their fetus prior to the procedure.

Learn more about Virginia's abortion laws below, with links to additional articles. See FindLaw's Reproductive Rights section to learn more.

Code Section

18.2-71 to 76.2

Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion

Failure to meet standards for legal abortion; cause or administer drug or other means to woman with intent to destroy unborn child or produce abortion or miscarriage; Partial Birth Abortion: a physician shall not knowingly perform a partial birth abortion that is not necessary to save the life of a mother.

Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion

First trimester, no restrictions; second trimester, in licensed hospital; third trimester, continuation of pregnancy likely to result in death, physical or mental impairment of mother

Informed, written consent of mother (if incompetent, written permission from parent or guardian must be obtained)

Additional Requirements for Patients

Must receive state-directed counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure; must undergo transvaginal ultrasound prior to the procedure (and must obtain the ultrasound at least 24 hours prior to the procedure if she lives within 100 miles of the provider).

Physician Licensing Requirements

Anytime, licensed M.D.; second and third trimesters, licensed hospital; third trimester, attending M.D. and two consulting M.D.s certify medical necessity; if necessary to save mother's life, or substantial and irremediable impairment of mental or physical health of the mother. No condition applies except licensed M.D. Life support for the child must be on hand and used if necessary.